Vicky
Queen Annes student
As a mathematics class, we attended the Maths Inspiration Talk held in Hexagon. It was fun watching how mathematics is variable and can be subtly applied in different situations.
What STEM activities have you been involved in while at Queen Anne’s and how do you think they will shape the direction you follow after you leave?
As a mathematics class, we attended the Maths Inspiration Talk held in Hexagon. It was fun watching how mathematics is variable and can be subtly applied in different situations. My favourite speaker, Dr Hugh Hunt, explained mathematics and mechanics by demonstrating a spinning gyroscope and throwing boomerangs. It was the first time I realised that mathematical knowledge and skills are not enough, it is mathematical creativity I lacked.
I also attended a few maths competitions such as BMC, BMO and Bebra, where I discovered how interesting and elegant maths can be outside the textbooks. I strengthened my determination in taking the lifelong path of mathematics.
Scientists use complex mathematical models to back them up and I found that theoretical physics is the perfect area I want to explore in the future along with abstract mathematics.
How have teachers at QA inspired you about STEM?
During physics class, my teacher always discusses science topics beyond curriculum. I was amazed by the fact that the STEM subjects are all interconnected. Especially when we were learning quantum physics, the concept completely blew my mind. The theories we learnt are innovative. Although they may not be necessarily true, they cannot be proven wrong through contradictions. Scientists use complex mathematical models to back them up and I found that theoretical physics is the perfect area I want to explore in the future along with abstract mathematics. We also watched Richard Feynman, ‘Dr Quantum’ on YouTube, which is so cool. The Higgs Boson poster on the wall in physics lab is also inspirational.
What inspired you to become involved in STEM?
Book: Three Body Motion – Fermat’s Last Theorem – The Elements
Film: Imitation Game
Talk: Is our universe the only universe?
How has Queen Anne’s school contributed to aiming high in an often male-dominated culture?
First of all, in an all-girl-school, female students won’t compare themselves with male students in class and can express their views freely. As there are fewer pre-set expectations that will limit us, we can have as much potential as possible. Sadhguru once said, ‘considering a human being as a resource is a crime, a human being is a possibility that needs nurturing to unfold’. At Queen Anne’s, we are encouraged to do whatever subjects we are interested in and be gutsy. Why not?
Participating in many Model United Nations conferences has helped me to overcome a fear of public-speaking and enjoy communicating with other people.
Puzzle of the week Þ exercise our brains
BrainCanDo Þ boost my interest in neuroscience
Speech Day speaker Þ STEM leaders in the world